LOCAL

Why Courtenay-Comox Is Gaining an Independent MLA as Brennan Day Leaves the Conservatives

Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day quits the B.C. Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent, marking the fifth MLA departure in under two weeks.

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2 months ago

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Local MLA Shifts to Independent Seat Amid Caucus Exodus

Courtenay-Comox representative Brennan Day has officially severed ties with the B.C. Conservative Party caucus. Announcing his resignation on Wednesday, Aug. 26, Day became the fifth member to step away from the caucus in under two weeks as the party faces ongoing turmoil under Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

Addressing his decision, Day stated that he lost confidence in Findlay’s “judgment, conduct, and ethical standards,” while also speaking out against the individuals she has “chosen to surround herself” with.

“We can’t condone this behaviour,” Day remarked to Black Press Media. “We’re not Tea Party North. That’s not what I was elected to do.”

Concerns Over Leadership and Ethical Standards

Day emphasized that his commitment to his constituents remains his primary focus as he transitions to sit as an Independent in Victoria.

“They deserve an MLA who conducts himself honourably, acts with integrity, and is prepared to stand by the values he was elected to carry to Victoria,” he said.

His departure coincided with the resignation of Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat on the same day. All five departing caucus members intend to begin their post-caucus roles as Independents, though Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar and Delta South MLA Ian Paton have indicated plans to establish a new political party.

Widespread Turnover in Conservative Party Ranks

The caucus departures follow extensive high-level turnover within the party’s organizational structure over the past month. Key executive figures, including party president Aisha Estey and executive director Angelo Isidorou, have resigned, alongside numerous mid- and low-level staff across both party and caucus offices.

The administrative shifts continued Wednesday when Findlay terminated caucus operations director Apollo Chung, a former Republican Party of Alberta staffer whom she had previously hired.

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LOCAL

Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home

Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.

Published

2 days ago

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October 25, 2026

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RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area

An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.

RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.

Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.

“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.

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LOCAL

Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search

Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.

Published

2 days ago

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October 25, 2026

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Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97

A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.

Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest

Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.

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HEALTH

Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four

The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.

Published

6 days ago

on

October 21, 2026

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Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident

Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.

DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.

Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances

BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.

According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

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